The unique beauty of a centuries-old temple in Nghe An
(Baonghean.vn) - Not only is it a famous historical relic, Ca Temple in Hoa Thanh Commune (Yen Thanh) is also a unique ancient architectural work in the rice fields.
 |
| According to legend, the Ca Temple was built during the Ly Dynasty, restored and expanded during the Later Le Dynasty to worship Uy Minh Vuong Ly Nhat Quang and other gods, famous generals, and those who "protected the country and protected the people". The Ca Temple has many items such as the three-door gate, the ceremonial gate, the left and right wings, the worshiping hall, and the upper hall. Of these, the ceremonial gate is the most unique structure. Photo: Huy Thu |
 |
| From the outside, the main gate is the second structure, standing after the main gate. The main gate of the Ca Temple is majestic and magnificent in the style of a royal pavilion. This is a house with 4 (square) columns, 2 floors, 8 roofs with curved gable ends. Photo: Huy Thu |
 |
| According to documents, the main gate of the Ca Temple is where dignitaries and elders rest and meditate before entering the temple to worship the gods and where they sing and perform plays during festivals, so people often call it the singing and dancing tower. In the photo: The front of the main gate - the singing and dancing tower. Photo: Huy Thu |
 This structure is shaped like Khue Van Cac at Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam (Hanoi). The lower floor of the gate is left empty, the upper floor has 4 doors leading to 4 directions and down to the lower floor through a hole in the ceiling board. Photo: Huy Thu |
 |
| On the lines and beams of the main gate are carved images of the "four sacred animals and four seasons" with lively and graceful lines. Photo: Huy Thu |
 |
| Close-up of a soft sculpture on the main gate of the Ca Temple. Photo: Huy Thu |
 |
| After many restorations and embellishments, the Ca Temple still seems to retain its original ancient architectural beauty. In the photo: The lower house of the Ca Temple. Photo: Huy Thu |
 |
| In addition to its unique architecture and distinctive wood carvings, the Ca Temple also preserves a system of ancient and precious artifacts. The temple currently retains four royal decrees, including one from the Vinh Khanh era (nearly 300 years old), one from the Canh Thinh era of the Tay Son Dynasty, and two from the Nguyen Dynasty. In particular, the temple also has statues carved from wood and stone with unusual shapes. Photo: Huy Thu |
 |
| In front of the main temple gate, there is a large ancient stele. According to the temple's keeper, the content of the stele reflects the tradition of studiousness as well as the construction of cultural works of the ancient village such as temples, pagodas... Photo: Huy Thu |
 |
After centuries of existence, Ca Temple is not only a place for spiritual and cultural activities, demonstrating the tradition of "When drinking water, remember its source" of the local people, but also a witness to many historical events. During the Can Vuong movement against the French, the Ca Temple area was the base of operations of the Nguyen Xuan On and Le Doan Nha insurgents. This was also a secret base of operations for revolutionary soldiers and a place to hide weapons and food for our army during the resistance war against the US. Ca Temple was recognized as a National Historical - Cultural Relic in 2012. Photo: Huy Thu |
| The unique beauty of the main gate of Ca Temple. Video: Huy Thu |
